Mountainman Nikolaus-Trail 2026

The Mountainman Nikolaus-Trail is a winter trail-running and hiking event held in Pommelsbrunn, within the Hersbrucker Schweiz region of Franconia’s Nürnberger Land. Taking place at the beginning of the Christmas season, it offers runners multiple off-road options, ranging from shorter distances of approximately 10 or 11 km to longer routes of 32 km and marathon length. Families have their own 5 km Wichtel-Trail, ensuring the event caters to more than just those seeking a challenging day in the mountains. The courses utilize the terrain familiar to the MOUNTAINMAN team. The organizer describes the longest option as Franconia’s most difficult marathon. Specifically named long courses include the 32 km Krampus-Trail and the 44 km Nussknacker-Trail, aligning with the Nikolaus theme without requiring participants to wear costumes. Both runners and hikers attend, and the combination of a family trail, mid-distance routes, and demanding long-course options serves as a practical start to the winter trail season for many, as well as a significant challenge for seasoned runners.